School of Arts and Communication

The 2011-12, the theme of “Compassion” was one of relevance in challenging times and a cornerstone of social interconnection and human values that bring each of us together. Our four events dynamically interpreted this common theme through the panorama of their respective SOAC discipline – art & design, communication, music and theatre. It was an exciting and thought-provoking journey.

National Print Exhibition: The Human Experience

February 08 – 5 pm

University Gallery Opening – University Gallery in Ingram Hall

Overexposed: The Cost of Compassion

February 22 – 7 pm

Original Documentary Screening at Lagerquist Concert Hall in Mary Baker Russell Music Center

The 2012-13 SOAC Focus Series theme of empowerment explores the creative and artistic dimensions of the social process that fosters power in people for use in their own lives, communities and in their societies, by acting on issues they define as important.

The focus series brings together SOAC’s talented students and faculty to focus on a common theme through a multi-disciplinary approach. These events present each discipline – Art & Design, Communication, Music and Theatre – dynamically interpreting “empowerment” through the panorama of their respective discipline. Each year, the theme selected will be relevant, timely, and appropriate to the mission of SOAC and PLU.

How I Learned to Drive

Friday, March 8

In the play, How I Learned to Drive, the audience is urged to examine their relationship with the term “empowerment” and what it means to them as individuals.

Art and the Holocaust: Understanding Aesthetic Experience as Empowerment

Thursday, March 14

What role can the experience of art play in our understanding of the Holocaust? Including a performance of Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time”

Beyond Burkas and Bombers: Anti-Muslim Sentiment in America

Thursday, April 11

With this film, the MediaLab team opens a discussion about a largely marginalized portion of American society and explores how Islam is defined in America, and how they might hope to counter negative stereotypes.

Cosmosis

Saturday, May 11

The University Wind Ensemble and University Singers perform “Cosmosis,” a composition about how the quest for scientific discovery has empowered and shaped our society for our entire history.

After exploring both compassion (2012) and empowerment (2013), the 2014 FOCUS Series brings together SOAC’s talented students and faculty to examine the theme of “entrepreneurship” through a multi-disciplinary approach.

Through music, art, dance, theatre, and communication we will come together to explore entrepreneurship and its culture of boundless dreams and actions – where creativity meets and fuels opportunity.

Black History Month Concert

February 20 at 8pm

The PLU Black History Month Concert is a tribute to the entrepreneurship of African Americans featuring the legacy of their music, literature, and art presented by the PLU Jazz Ensemble and prominent members of the local African American community. In Lagerquist Concert Hall.

So You Want to be an Entrepreneur? – Guest Panel

March 12 at 5pm

The School of Arts and Communication and the School of Business welcome four young Seattle-area entrepreneurs to discuss the ins and outs of successful entrepreneurship. In the Studio Theater.

Tapped Out Premiere – Presented by PLU MediaLab

April 10 at 7pm

MediaLab’s new documentary investigates how pressures on water, including drought, floods, population growth, and pollution – are resulting in new and innovative thinking. In the Studio Theater.

The Senior Exhibition – Inventing Your Future

April 23 at 5pm

From preparation both of the artwork and the show itself, to publicity, self-promotion, branding and technical aspects, art seniors learn first-hand how to solve problems and create their own future in a competitive and demanding market. In the University Gallery.